Underwater - Ludovico Einaudi (2022)

Einaudi is kind of an elegant rebel. He’s classically trained and his music at times has a definite feel of modern classical. The throughline to 20th century minimalism like Philip Glass or Steve Reich is obvious, but it’s always much more melodic. Not to complain too much, but a lot of “serious” classical fans, especially of post-war classical, see the word “melodic” as an accusation, something you don’t want rather than something you do. And he is very melodic. Because of this, he sometimes gets labelled as “new age,” the dreaded epithet for music that people think isn’t “serious” enough to be classical, but doesn’t fit anywhere else. He’s done film soundtracks, electronic atmospherics, and blissed-out intrumental music with a pop eye to melody.

He’s an excellent composer and musician who has a very distinctive voice. But that’s exactly why it’s hard to pin him down. This is a very chill album of solo piano music. It’s simple, but not simplistic. It reminds me a little of Satie, but with a softer, more modern touch.

This is not music to rock out to, but spending some time with it is very rewarding.

Tracks I liked:

Flora - gradually increasing tempo gives a sense of frenzy while staying beautiful throughout.

Almost June - a very basic structure that lets the beauty ring through.